A Human Resource (HR) assistant works in a company’s or organization’s human resources department. He or she usually works full-time and has a variety of job responsibilities. The human resource assistant frequently interacts with employees, which may include recruiting and hiring new employees, as well as maintaining employee records and keeping data current.
Working directly with current, former, and potential employees is an important part of a person in this position’s job. When someone applies to the business or organization, the assistant will often be responsible for checking references and verifying employment history, as well as any other necessary information such as a credit check. While a human resource assistant does not usually conduct the interview, he or she may observe it. He may be in charge of contacting the applicant to inform him or her of the outcome once a decision on employment has been made.
When an employee is hired, the HR assistant will request information from them including name, address, phone number, employment history, job title, emergency contact information, and information regarding benefits selection, if applicable. If the new employee has questions regarding any workplace practices, such as dress code, sick time or vacation time, salary, or medical benefits, for example, the human resource assistant will need to be able to answer those questions. After gathering all of this data, the HR assistant must keep records up to date, accurate, and easily accessible.
When an employee leaves the company, the job of the human resource assistant does not end. He or she may be contacted for a reference later on, when the employee applies for a new job, or he may be asked to verify employment history, or assist with the transfer of retirement plans or other benefits. An HR assistant may be responsible for answering phones, opening mail, keeping other filing records, or other general office tasks in addition to working with employees. The assistant may also conduct an Internet search for potential employees’ resumes.
To be hired, a human resource assistant usually only needs a high school diploma or a G.E.D. If one succeeds as an assistant, he or she is likely to be promoted to human resources manager, which may come with additional benefits and pay. Human resources assistants must be able to work well with others, be respectful and discreet, and be computer savvy.